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Tag: Speeches

  • Keir Starmer – 2024 Comments at Downing Street

    Keir Starmer – 2024 Comments at Downing Street

    The comments made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 6 July 2024.

    Thank you all for coming. Yesterday the work of change began…

    And as the dust settles on Thursday’s result, what is becoming clear for, I think, all to see is the mood of the nation, of the country…

    What is expected of us and the mandate that we have to deliver change…

    It’s a mandate not just to govern, although it is certainly that, but it’s a mandate that has put trust in us to change the country and to deliver…

    And it’s a mandate to do politics differently…

    And that change started yesterday as well…

    I have, as you’ll have seen, appointed a Cabinet…

    That was done yesterday afternoon and completed…

    Some went to the Privy Council this morning to receive their seals, which was a moment in history…

    We followed that with the first Cabinet meeting of the Labour government of 2024…

    At that Cabinet meeting, I had the opportunity to set out precisely what I expect of them in terms of standards, delivery and the trust that the country has put in them…

    And yesterday I met Laurie Magnus, the Independent Adviser on standards, to discuss how we deliver in government…

    At the Cabinet meeting, I also discussed mission delivery…

    How we would put into action the plans that we have set out in our manifesto…

    And that we will have mission delivery boards to drive through the change that we need, and that I will be chairing those boards to make sure that it’s clear to everyone that they are my priority in government…

    We also talked about preparations for the King’s speech…

    And I reminded the entire Cabinet, that we will be judged on actions, not on words…

    And this afternoon, I will continue to make a number of frontbench appointments…

    We clearly on Thursday got a mandate, from all four nations for the first time in 20 plus years…

    We have a majority in England, in Scotland and in Wales…

    And that is a clear mandate to govern for all four corners of the United Kingdom…

    And therefore, I shall set off tomorrow to be in all four nations…

    I shall go first to Scotland…

    I shall then go to Northern Ireland…

    Then to Wales, and then back to England…

    Where I will meet the First Ministers, not just to discuss the issues and challenges of the day. Of course, we will do that…

    But also to establish a way of working across the United Kingdom that will be different and better to the way of working that we’ve had in recent years, and to recognise the contributions of all four nations…

    On Thursday, we also got a mandate on economic growth – the number one mission of the Labour government…

    And so we discussed at Cabinet and have started the work on driving growth…

    And to make sure that growth is everywhere across the whole country so that people are better off everywhere, wherever they live…

    The principle I operate to is those with skin in the game know what’s best for their communities, and that does require us to be bold about pushing power and resource out of Whitehall…

    And therefore, when I return from the four nations, I shall hold a meeting of the Metro mayors to discuss with them their part in delivering the growth that we need across the United Kingdom…

    That will be on Tuesday…

    That will include non-Labour Metro mayors…

    There’s no monopoly on good ideas…

    And I’m not a tribal politician…

    And the principle I operate to, whether it’s mayors or other elected representatives, is that where regional leaders want to deliver for their area…

    Then, regardless of the colour of their rosette, my door is open and my government will work with them…

    Later on Tuesday, I shall set off to Washington for the NATO summit…

    I’ve already had a number of international calls, as you will know, and as you would have expected, to establish the relations across with other countries to have really important discussions about Ukraine and other pressing issues…

    And Washington will be an opportunity for me to have further discussions with some of the leaders I’ve already spoken to and some that I’m due to speak to…

    It is, of course, an important summit on NATO…

    It is for me to be absolutely clear that the first duty of my government is security and defense, to make clear our unshakable support of NATO…

    And of course, to reiterate, as I did to President Zelenskyy yesterday, the support that we will have in this country and with our allies towards Ukraine…

    So this will be a politics and a government that is about delivery, is about service…

    Self-interest is yesterday’s politics…

    I want a politics and a country that works for you…

    Thank you very much.

  • John Healey – 2024 Speech to Defence Staff

    John Healey – 2024 Speech to Defence Staff

    The speech made by John Healey, the Secretary of State for Defence, on 5 July 2024.

    Thank you for that welcome. It is for me an honour to be asked by the Prime Minister to serve in this role and to have the chance to work with you all in the months and years ahead.

    The work you do is vital and we are proud of the professionalism and your dedication to serving this nation, both in uniform and out. So thank you for everything that you do.

    You will have my fullest support as your Defence Secretary.

    We know these are serious times – war in Europe, conflict in the Middle East, growing Russian aggression, increasing global threats.

    We know there are serious problems – with our Armed Forces hollowed out and under funded for 14 years.

    And this government now is totally committed to 2.5% of Defence spending, to NATO, to the nuclear deterrent and to support for Ukraine.

    The country has new leadership. This Ministry has new leadership. Our mission is to make Britain secure at home and strong abroad, with the guiding principle of one Defence. Because it isn’t just those who serve in uniform who defend this country, it’s those of you who serve in the Civil Service, who work on the production line, who staff the research labs, who develop software – and I want to see Defence at the heart both of the future security of this country, and the future success of this country.

    And that means an Armed Forces well-equipped and ready to fight, a skilled, scalable industrial base, a stronger relationship with allies, a more influential MOD, a public that understands and better supports, those who are willing to serve – those whose service is the ultimate form of public service.

    And I do have to tell you I am more interested in results than photo opportunities. And I look forward to learning from your experience and hearing your ideas about how we can develop one Defence.

    I will rely on your experience, your honesty. I’ll rely on your dedication to solve the problems, in delivering the government’s defence plans.

    And I know I will also be inspired by what you do.

    And as Keir Starmer said in Downing Street, we will be a government that respects all. So we will have an Armed Forces and Civil Service, drawing on all the talents. We’ll have a culture that values all, and we’ll have zero tolerance for any abuse, in the military or the Civil Service.

    We must forge one Defence, one mission: to make Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

    And to all of you, I and the ministerial team, look forward so much to that opportunity to work with you, to deliver just that for our country.

    Thank you very much indeed.

  • David Lammy – 2024 Speech on Reconnecting Britain for our Security and Prosperity

    David Lammy – 2024 Speech on Reconnecting Britain for our Security and Prosperity

    The speech made by David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, on 5 July 2024.

    It is the honour of my life to stand before you as Foreign Secretary. A descendant of enslaved people. A black, working class, man from Tottenham. A community which has never produced a Foreign Secretary before.

    This speaks to what a modern, multicultural Britain can be. Proudly internationalist. Determined to deliver for working people. And committed to building a better future for us all.

    Britain has enormous potential. But the world faces huge challenges. More countries engaged in conflict than at any time since World War II.  Rapidly changing technology. And a climate emergency.

    This government will reconnect Britain for our security and prosperity at home. What happens here in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is essential. Diplomacy matters.

    We will begin with a reset with Europe, on climate and with the global South.  And a gear-shift when it comes to delivering on European security, global security and British growth.

    My story is a story of progress. Progress won by all those who fought for a better future.

    Together, let us fight for a better future once again. Change begins now.

  • Ian Murray – 2024 Statement on Being Appointed Scottish Secretary

    Ian Murray – 2024 Statement on Being Appointed Scottish Secretary

    The statement made by Ian Murray on 5 July 2024 after he became the Scottish Secretary.

    It is a real privilege to have been asked to serve in Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s first Cabinet as Secretary of State for Scotland.  My absolute priority in the role will be to deliver the change and renewal that Scotland needs – to drive economic growth, create jobs and reduce poverty.

    As we rebuild our country, I look forward to Scotland standing foursquare with the other UK nations. I will make sure that the Scotland Office is a strong voice for Scotland within the UK Government.

    New funding will help tackle poverty in Scotland by creating jobs and unlocking opportunities across the country, especially in our most deprived communities.

    The Scotland Office will lead on promoting ‘Brand Scotland’ around the globe. Selling our world class produce, products and services to the world.

    I am also determined to reset the relationship between the UK and Scottish Governments. Focusing on co-operation and joint working will mean we can deliver better results for people in Scotland.

  • Wes Streeting – 2024 Statement on Saving the NHS

    Wes Streeting – 2024 Statement on Saving the NHS

    The statement made by Wes Streeting, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, on 5 July 2024.

    When we said during the election campaign, that the NHS was going through the biggest crisis in its history, we meant it.

    When we said that patients are being failed on a daily basis, it wasn’t political rhetoric, but the daily reality faced by millions.

    Previous governments have not been willing to admit these simple facts. But in order to cure an illness, you must first diagnose it.

    This government will be honest about the challenges facing our country, and serious about tackling them.

    From today, the policy of this department is that the NHS is broken.

    That is the experience of patients who are not receiving the care they deserve, and of the staff working in the NHS who can see that – despite giving their best – this is not good enough.

    When I was diagnosed with kidney cancer, the NHS saved my life.

    Today, I can begin to repay that debt, by saving our NHS.

    I have just spoken over the phone with the BMA junior doctors committee, and I can announce that talks to end their industrial action will begin next week.

    We promised during the campaign that we would begin negotiations as a matter of urgency, and that is what we are doing.

    This government has received a mandate from millions of voters for change and reform of the NHS, so it can be there for us when we need it once again.

    It will take time – we never pretended that the NHS could be fixed overnight.

    And it will take a team effort. It will be the mission of my department, every member of this government, and the 1.4 million people who work in the NHS, to turn our health service around.

    We have done this before. When we were last in office, we worked hand in hand with NHS staff to deliver the shortest waits and highest patient satisfaction in history. We did it before, and together, we will do it again.

    That work starts today.

  • Clive Lewis – 2024 Comments on Winning Norwich South

    Clive Lewis – 2024 Comments on Winning Norwich South

    The comments made by Clive Lewis, the Labour MP for Norwich South, on 5 July 2024.

    Norwich, thank you for re-electing me.
    Can I first thank the Returning officer and their crack team for the hard work they’ve done tonight on behalf of our democracy as well as all those that have staffed the polling stations across our city.
    Can I also thank the police for their reassuring presence on election night and every night.
    I’d also like to thank my fellow candidates. It’s been a slightly odd election with the focus for many often elsewhere – as is the nature of elections under first past the post.
    I’d like to also thank my fantastic team – particularly Adam Green, Emma Hampton, Sarah Clarke and so many others in Norwich Labour Party who’ve become friends over the years as both MP and candidate for Norwich South.
    I’d also like to give a special thanks to my agents Adam Giles and David Fullham. And finally, to my long-suffering family – Katy & Zana who have probably forgotten what I look like after 6 weeks of a general election.
    After fighting four General elections I realise it is so important in politics to always try not to get carried away – especially in victory.
    No matter how large your vote share is, how big your majority, or how historic your victory – you didn’t win the vote of everyone.
    If government is to be good government it must be pluralistic – not one voice dominating – but many talking together and all being heard. You can’t rule as one faction or one section. To me, country before party means being willing to share power so that good may be done for the many, not the few.
    With that in mind I want to say that I am well aware that many in this constituency voted for other candidates and other parties. And I want to make it clear that I will represent them too.
    I will represent those who voted with the hope of ensuring that the rights of all people – *all* people – are respected: the right to protest; the right to live as one chooses; and the right to seek asylum. Human Rights are not an obstacle for government to overcome -but the bedrock on which it is built.
    I will represent those who voted in hope of a government that stands firm against anyone trying to stop the action needed to avert the worst of human created climate change; for one which sees net zero as a challenge to be seized not something to hide from or wish away.
    And I will represent those who voted in hopes of a government willing to address the economic inequality that scars our city and our country, to redistribute wealth and power from where there is plenty to where there is need.
    Norwich – let’s get to it.
  • Jeremy Corbyn – 2024 Comments on Winning Islington North

    Jeremy Corbyn – 2024 Comments on Winning Islington North

    The comments made by Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader, on 5 July 2024.

    Tonight, our community made history. This election was never about me. It has always been about our community and the values we share. And it’s about our undying belief that there is an alternative to inequality, poverty and war.

    Tonight’s result in Islington North gives us a glimpse of a different future, which puts the interests of the many ahead of those of the few. It is also a warning – a warning to the incoming government that dissent cannot be crushed without consequences. That ideas of equality, justice and peace are eternal. That hope for a better world can never be extinguished.

    Tonight, we celebrate. Tomorrow, we organise. The energy we have unleashed will not go to waste. We are a movement made up of all ages, backgrounds and faiths. A movement which can win with and for people all over the country.

  • Praful Nargund – 2024 Comments on Labour Losing Islington North

    Praful Nargund – 2024 Comments on Labour Losing Islington North

    The comments made by Praful Nargund, the Labour Party candidate in Islington North, on 5 July 2024.

    While it wasn’t the result we hoped for, I’d like to thank every resident of Islington North who cast their vote for me. That was a huge act of faith in me, and I’ll always be grateful.

    To each and every person who knocked on doors, stuffed envelopes, delivered leaflets, or helped out in the office – thank you. Your humour, kindness, and energy meant more to me than I can put into words.

    I’m proud to have run a genuinely positive campaign, one that has been full of joy, smiles and hope for a better future for Islington North, and for our country. Of course there were tough times, and I would be lying if I said it was easy to hear and read things about me in this campaign that simply weren’t true. Sadly these sort of tactics are rapidly becoming a regular part of our politics now – and that can’t be good.

    But today, Britain has voted for change. I’m incredibly proud to have stood on behalf of changed Labour party that now has the opportunity to serve in government. Thank you.

  • Rishi Sunak – 2024 Resignation Speech

    Rishi Sunak – 2024 Resignation Speech

    The speech made by Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, on 5 July 2024.

    Good morning, I will shortly be seeing His Majesty the King to offer my resignation as Prime Minister.

    To the country, I would like to say, first and foremost, I am sorry.

    I have given this job my all.

    But you have sent a clear signal that the government of the United Kingdom must change…

    …and yours is the only judgement that matters.

    I have heard your anger, your disappointment; and I take responsibility for this loss.

    To all the Conservative candidates and campaigners who worked tirelessly but without success…

    …I am sorry that we could not deliver what your efforts deserved.

    It pains me to think how many good colleagues…

    …who contributed so much to their communities and our country…

    …will now no longer sit in the House of Commons.

    I thank them for their hard work, and their service.

    Following this result, I will step down as party leader…

    …not immediately, but once the formal arrangements for selecting my successor are in place.

    It is important that after 14 years in government the Conservative Party rebuilds…

    …but also that it takes up its crucial role in Opposition professionally and effectively.

    When I first stood here as your Prime Minister, I told you the most important task I had was to return stability to our economy.

    Inflation is back to target, mortgage rates are falling, and growth has returned.

    We have enhanced our standing in the world, rebuilding relations with allies…

    …leading global efforts to support Ukraine…

    …and becoming the home of the new generation of transformative technologies.

    And our United Kingdom is stronger too: with the Windsor Framework, devolution restored in Northern Ireland, and our Union strengthened.

    I’m proud of those achievements.

    I believe this country is safer, stronger, and more secure than it was 20 months ago.

    And it is more prosperous, fairer, and resilient than it was in 2010.

    Whilst he has been my political opponent, Sir Keir Starmer will shortly become our Prime Minister.

    In this job, his successes will be all our successes, and I wish him and his family well.

    Whatever our disagreements in this campaign, he is a decent, public-spirited man, who I respect.

    He and his family deserve the very best of our understanding, as they make the huge transition to their new lives behind this door…

    …and as he grapples with this most demanding of jobs in an increasingly unstable world.

    I would like to thank my colleagues, my Cabinet, the Civil Service – especially here in Downing Street…

    …the team at Chequers, my staff, CCHQ…

    …but most of all I would like to express my gratitude to my wife Akshata and our beautiful daughters.

    I can never thank them enough for the sacrifices they have made so that I might serve our country.

    One of the most remarkable things about Britain is just how unremarkable it is…

    …that two generations after my grandparents came here with little, I could become Prime Minister…

    …and that I could watch my two young daughters light Diwali candles on the steps in Downing Street.

    We must hold true to that idea of who we are…

    …that vision of kindness, decency, and tolerance that has always been the British way.

    This is a difficult day, at the end of a number of difficult days.

    But I leave this job honoured to have been your Prime Minister.

    This is the best country in the world and that is thanks entirely to you, the British people…

    …the true source of all our achievements, our strengths, and our greatness.

    Thank you.

  • Clive Lewis – 2024 Comments on the General Election Result

    Clive Lewis – 2024 Comments on the General Election Result

    The comments made by Clive Lewis, the Labour MP for Norwich South, on 4 July 2024.

    A fantastic result on the surface. The lives of thousands of my constituents can now change for the better. But possible shock double digit Reform MPs and the breakthrough of the authoritarian right, means there is absolutely no room for complacency or hubris. We must deliver, and I expect us to.